Social media under-16s ban ‘utterly ill-conceived’
15 December 2023
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Economics
In the Media
Education
Commenting on reports that the government is considering a crackdown on young people using social media, including a ban for under-16s, Matthew Lesh, Director of Public Policy and Communications at the free market think tank, the Institute of Economic Affairs, said:
“This is an utterly ill-conceived if not harmful idea.
“Millions of young people use social media to connect with friends and family, join and build communities, express their identity, and for entertainment and relaxation. Being online is an essential part of growing up. A ban could just push children to riskier and less moderated platforms.
“Of course social media can be harmful to some children. But so can letting a child go to the playground with their friends. The solution is to is to manage risk, by educating and letting parents decide, rather than restricting access and stunting growth.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Contact: media@iea.org.uk / 07763 365520
The mission of the Institute of Economic Affairs is to improve understanding of the fundamental institutions of a free society by analysing and expounding the role of markets in solving economic and social problems. The IEA is a registered educational charity and independent of all political parties.
“This is an utterly ill-conceived if not harmful idea.
“Millions of young people use social media to connect with friends and family, join and build communities, express their identity, and for entertainment and relaxation. Being online is an essential part of growing up. A ban could just push children to riskier and less moderated platforms.
“Of course social media can be harmful to some children. But so can letting a child go to the playground with their friends. The solution is to is to manage risk, by educating and letting parents decide, rather than restricting access and stunting growth.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Contact: media@iea.org.uk / 07763 365520
The mission of the Institute of Economic Affairs is to improve understanding of the fundamental institutions of a free society by analysing and expounding the role of markets in solving economic and social problems. The IEA is a registered educational charity and independent of all political parties.
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